Ofsted Should Leave Parents to be the Primary Educators of Their Children
We Stand Against Ofsted as They Criticise Jewish Schools for Failing to Teach About Same-Sex Relationships
We Stand Against Ofsted as They Criticise Jewish Schools for Failing to Teach About Same-Sex Relationships
Earlier this month, two Orthodox Jewish schools in north London, the Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School and Beis Malka Girls’ School, were both criticised by Ofsted for failing to teach about same-sex relationships.
Ofsted accused the schools of falling short of required standards because discussion of same-sex relationships and other lifestyles is not taught at the schools. Rather, the school leaves such matters to be discussed at home with parents.
Ofsted state the conflict very succinctly: "The school's ethos identifies its founding principle as 'unconditional adherence to the Shulchan Aruch (code of Jewish law)'. Leaders are aware that this disregards the protected characteristic of sexual orientation set out in the 2010 Equality Act."
By Ofsted's own admission, at least one of the schools was “clearly focused on teaching pupils to respect everybody, regardless of difference.” Yet still they are finding fault!
We should not be surprised that an Orthodox Jewish school does not endorse same-sex marriage as they believe same-sex sexual unions to be immoral. In which case, for Ofsted to require these schools to teach about same-sex relationships, at least in the way that Ofsted want them to, is tantamount to asking them to abandon their religious convictions.
1. Ofsted should not compel this Jewish school, or any religiously affiliated school, to teach that which its religion forbids
2. Ofsted should recognise and respect the school’s response: “We believe this part of our children’s education is the duty and responsibility of the family. We do not believe that these subjects are to be taught at school.”
Both the schools in question are private schools, whose pupils are sent there by the volition of the parents. It is not for Ofsted to decide what they can and cannot be taught as regards family matters.
For more information:
http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/160207/second-chasidic-school-marked-d...
http://www.thejc.com/comment-and-debate/comment/153825/why-ofsteds-blitz...
http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/160194/ofsted-criticises-charedi-schoo...
http://hackneycitizen.co.uk/2016/07/12/beis-malka-girls-school-criticise...
https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/...
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Ofsted Should Stop Harassing Schools Which Do Not Promote Their Vision of the Family
For the attention of Sir Michael Wilshaw, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills,
Dear Sir Michael Wilshaw,
I write to you in regard to Ofsted’s repeated attacks on the religious freedom of Jewish schools in London.
Ofsted have criticised multiple Orthodox Jewish schools, such as Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School and Beis Malka Girls’ School, for failing to teach about same-sex relationships. Ofsted have said this despite their admittance that at least one school was “clearly focused on teaching pupils to respect everybody, regardless of difference.”
Ofsted is overstepping its remit by ignoring, as the schools have rightly insisted, the fact that parents are the primary educators of their own children. By attempting to impose their own philosophical world view as regards the equality of various lifestyle choices upon these schools, Ofsted is failing to respect the religious freedom of these schools to teach such matters in accordance with their own faith.
I ask that Ofsted
1. apologise to these Jewish schools
2. recognise the rights of parents as the primary educators of children
3. and cease harassing schools, Jewish or otherwise, which do not promote Ofsted’s own understanding of the equality of lifestyle choices and family life.
Ofsted Should Stop Harassing Schools Which Do Not Promote Their Vision of the Family
For the attention of Sir Michael Wilshaw, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills,
Dear Sir Michael Wilshaw,
I write to you in regard to Ofsted’s repeated attacks on the religious freedom of Jewish schools in London.
Ofsted have criticised multiple Orthodox Jewish schools, such as Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School and Beis Malka Girls’ School, for failing to teach about same-sex relationships. Ofsted have said this despite their admittance that at least one school was “clearly focused on teaching pupils to respect everybody, regardless of difference.”
Ofsted is overstepping its remit by ignoring, as the schools have rightly insisted, the fact that parents are the primary educators of their own children. By attempting to impose their own philosophical world view as regards the equality of various lifestyle choices upon these schools, Ofsted is failing to respect the religious freedom of these schools to teach such matters in accordance with their own faith.
I ask that Ofsted
1. apologise to these Jewish schools
2. recognise the rights of parents as the primary educators of children
3. and cease harassing schools, Jewish or otherwise, which do not promote Ofsted’s own understanding of the equality of lifestyle choices and family life.
